Serie A: Ronaldo set for first AC Milan start

ROME, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Brazil striker Ronaldo is poised to make his first start as AC Milan look to maintain their rapid
rise up the Serie A standings when they visit Siena on Saturday.

The three-times FIFA World Player of the Year, who completed
a 7.5million-euro move from Real Madrid last month, made his
debut last weekend as a substitute for the final half hour of a
2-1 win over Livorno.

He produced a lively performance, capped by three shots on
goal, one a dipping drive from outside the area that was tipped
around the post.

'It's probable that Ronaldo will play against Siena from the
start,' coach Carlo Ancelotti told the club's Web site on
Wednesday.

'He's working well, his physical condition has improved, and
he is very motivated. He's also the most talented player we've
got.'

Ronaldo's arrival has coincided with a revival of Milan's
domestic fortunes.

Languishing in the bottom half at the start of December,
five wins in their last six games have lifted Milan to sixth,
two points behind Empoli, who occupy the fourth and final berth
for next season's Champions League.

Siena's 16,000-seater Artemio Franchi stadium is one of the
few Italian grounds fully in line with the safety regulations
imposed by the new anti-hooligan plan and so should be full for
the game.

Ancelotti is expected to field an attacking line-up, with
Ronaldo starting alongside Italy international Alberto
Gilardino.

Leaders Inter Milan will aim to extend their record-breaking
run of Serie A wins to 16 by beating Cagliari at the San Siro on
Saturday.

Cagliari have won just once on their travels this season,
and the chances of an upset are reduced further by the return of
Inter's leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish international, who has scored 10 Serie A goals
this season, has been on the sidelines since clashing heads with
Sampdoria defender Giulio Falcone three weeks ago.

Inter's nearest challengers, AS Roma, lie 11 points behind
and face a potentially tricky away trip to Empoli, who will be
desperate to cling on to fourth.

At the other end of the division, newly-appointed Parma
coach Claudio Ranieri begins his bid to avoid relegation with a
home match against Sampdoria.